The Metal List

Episode 108: Dimmu Borgir – Symphonic Metal Masterpiece or Gatekept Gateways?

In Episode 108 of The Metal List, we step into the grand, bombastic world of Norwegian Symphonic Black Metal titans Dimmu Borgir.

From their early atmospheric roots to becoming an international powerhouse, we trace the band's rise, the shifting lineups of their iconic supergroup era, and the endless "Trv Kvlt" debates that follow commercially successful Black Metal acts.

In this episode, we break down:

• Gatekeeping & "Industry Plants": Why modern backlash against bands like Sleep Token or Blackbraid mirrors the elitist pushback Dimmu Borgir faced decades ago—and why "poser" accusations only ever apply to bands people don't like.

• The Peak Era: Dissecting 2003’s monumental Death Cult Armageddon, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, and why it remains a high-water mark for Symphonic Black Metal.

• The Supergroup Lineup: Tracking the killer era featuring Silenoz, Shagrath, Galder, Vortex, and Nick Barker.

• The Gatekeeper Dilemma: How Dimmu served as the ultimate gateway band into Black Metal for an entire generation of fans.

• Quote of the Episode: “I almost just said Swedish Erotic Death Metal.” — Jason

Join us as we weigh commercial success against underground street cred and break down the legacy of Dimmu Borgir!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Dimmu Borgir Official Website: https://www.dimmu-borgir.com/

• Dimmu Borgir Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimmuborgir/

• Dimmu Borgir Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dimmuborgir

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 107: Stone Temple Pilots – San Diego's Alternative & Grunge Titans

Forget Riff City for a moment—we are pulling over for a special stop in Grungeville!

In Episode 107, we break down the high-flying, turbulent history of San Diego’s very own Stone Temple Pilots. We trace their meteoric rise from local Southern California venues to international stardom, their constant genre shapeshifting, and the singular talent of their troubled frontman, Scott Weiland.

In this episode, we break down:

• Hometown Heroes: Celebrating STP's roots in our own backyard of San Diego and their incredible journey to global rock dominance.

• Meteoric Rise: How 1992’s Core launched them from obscurity into multi-platinum superstars virtually overnight.

• Cinematic Peak: Dissecting "Big Empty" and their standout contribution to the iconic The Crow Movie Soundtrack.

• The Frontman Dynamic: Remembering the extraordinary charisma, vocal versatility, and tragic battles of Scott Weiland (RIPD)

• Genre Evolution: Tracking their stylistic shift from heavy Grunge riffs to clammy, psychedelic Alternative Rock on Tiny Music... and their eventual return to heavy rock territory.

Join us as we explore the small but dynamic discography and legacy of Stone Temple Pilots!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Stone Temple Pilots Official Website: https://stonetemplepilots.com/

• Stone Temple Pilots Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stpband/

• Stone Temple Pilots Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpband

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 106: Guns N' Roses – Sleaze Kings, and the Death of Glam

You’re in the jungle baby, you’re gonna diiiiiiie!

In Episode 106, we step into the chaotic, volatile world of the World's Most Dangerous Band: Guns N' Roses.

We trace how five misfits from Sunset Strip brought raw danger and grit back to the rock world, effectively slaying polished Glam Metal and setting the stage before Grunge took over. From their unstoppable rise to the inner turmoil that nearly tore them apart, we cover the high-stakes history of Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, and Steven.

In this episode, we break down:

• Bringing Sleaze Back: How GNR stripped away the polished Glam and Hair Metal tropes of the late 80s to infuse real danger, filth, and attitude back into Hard Rock.

• The Debut Masterpiece: Celebrating Appetite for Destruction as one of the absolute greatest, most flawless debut albums in rock and Heavy Metal history.

• Vocal Greatness: Highlighting Axl Rose’s incredible range, theatrical power, and why he stood as one of Jason’s favorite lead singers for years.

• On and Off-Stage Antics: Navigating the wild riots, backstage chaos, and the extreme pitfalls of instant mega-success, drugs, and alcohol.

• The Over-The-Top Era: Dissecting the massive, ambitious Use Your Illusion era, the sprawling tour, and how their excess ultimately altered the landscape before the Grunge wave arrived.

Let us know your Top 5 Guns N' Roses songs!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Guns N' Roses Official Website: https://gunsnroses.com/

• Guns N' Roses Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunsnroses/

• Guns N' Roses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gunsnroses

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 105: Nevermore – The Technical Masterclass of Progressive Thrash Metal

In Episode 105 of The Metal List, we shine a spotlight on Seattle's ultimate Progressive Metal and Thrash Metal powerhouse: Nevermore.

We break down why Nevermore remains one of the most criminally underrated Metal acts of all time, the incredible dual dynamic between guitar virtuoso Jeff Loomis and legendary vocalist Warrel Dane, and how their discography pushed the boundaries of complex, heavy music.

In this episode, we break down:

• A True Cheat Code: Why Jeff Loomis stands as one of the absolute greatest guitarists in Heavy Metal history and how his insane riffing redefined the 7-string sound.

• The Singular Voice: Celebrating the unique, theatrical, and unforgettable vocal style of the late Warrel Dane (RIPD)

• The Remix Debate: Examining 2003's Enemies of Reality, discussing Andy Sneap's famous remix, and analyzing the consensus surrounding its production evolution.

• Underrated Masterpieces: Diving into timeless Progressive Thrash records like Dead Heart in a Dead World and This Godless Endeavor.

• The Legacy: Why Nevermore's dark, technical, and atmospheric sound still outclasses most modern Progressive Metal bands today.

Join us as we pay tribute to the legacy of Warrel Dane and dive deep into the flawless discography of Nevermore!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Nevermore Century Media Page: https://www.centurymedia.com/artist/nevermore

• Nevermore Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nevermorefans

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 104: Cannibal Corpse – The Undisputed Kings of Death Metal?

In Episode 104 of The Metal List, we dive into the blood-soaked, neck-wrecking legacy of Death Metal icons Cannibal Corpse.

We’re talking the band's back-to-back album releases resulting from the pandemic, their unmatched consistency across decades, their cultural impact, and why George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher might just be the nicest guy in all of Metal.

In this episode, we break down:

• Kings of Death Metal: Debating Cannibal Corpse's place at the absolute top of the Extreme Metal throne.

• The Back-to-Back Era: How the band capitalized on the COVID touring shutdown by cranking out two massive studio albums in rapid succession.

• The Corpsegrinder Factor: Highlighting the legendary frontman, his insane vocal endurance, and his wholesome offline persona.

• Pop Culture Impact: Remembering their legendary cameo in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and taking Death Metal into the mainstream spotlight.

• Unstoppable Consistency: How the band has maintained relentless quality, ferocious riffing, and brutal album releases for over three decades.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of Death Metal or exploring the genre's pioneers, join us as we pay respect to the mighty Cannibal Corpse!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Cannibal Corpse Official Website: https://cannibalcorpse.net/

• Cannibal Corpse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannibalcorpseofficial/

• Cannibal Corpse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cannibalcorpse

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 103: Black Sabbath (Cover Songs)

In Episode 103 of The Metal List (the grand finale of our 4-part Black Sabbath extravaganza) we turn our attention to the immense legacy and influence of Heavy Metal’s founding fathers through the eyes of the legendary artists they inspired.

We dive deep into the world of high-profile Sabbath covers, exploring how iconic bands across Thrash Metal, Doom Metal, Hard Rock, and Grunge have paid homage to Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne.

In this episode, we break down:

• Heavy Metal Royalty: How massive, global touring acts put their own unique spin on classic Sabbath tracks.

• Genre Crossovers: Examining how artists from different subgenres reinterpreted these iconic riffs, from aggressive Thrash reinventions to heavy Doom tributes.

• Hits & Missteps: Separating the masterclass tribute performances from the covers that fell flat.

• The Enduring Influence: Why Black Sabbath remains the ultimate benchmark for generations of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock musicians.

No, no, no...we're not talking about the local bar band burning through Paranoid every weekend. We're not talking about the kids fumbling the main riff in Iron Man, while playing Madison Square Bedroom. We're talking big bands, doing big cover songs, and paying their respects to the Godfathers.

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Black Sabbath Official Website: https://www.blacksabbath.com/

• Black Sabbath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksabbath/

• Black Sabbath Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBlackSabbath

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 102: Black Sabbath (The Martin Era & Everyone else) – Part 3

In Episode 102 of The Metal List (Part 3 of our 4-part Black Sabbath extravaganza) we dive into the darkest, most overlooked, and bizarre chapters in the band's long history: the Tony Martin era and the rotation of frontmen that defined Sabbath’s deep cuts.

From Ian Gillan's coke-fueled Born Again era and Glenn Hughes' brief run on Seventh Star, to Tony Martin taking the microphone and steering the ship through the late 1980s and 1990s, we wade through the wilderness years and debate if Tony Iommi temporarily lost his mojo.

In this episode, we break down:

• The Wilderness Years: The chaos behind 1983's Born Again with Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan and the short-lived Glenn Hughes era.

• The Tony Martin Legacy: Re-evaluating underrated Power Metal and Doom Metal gems like The Headless Cross, Tyr, Eternal Idol, and Cross Purposes.

• The Low Points: Getting into the true dregs of Sabbath’s discography

• Key Tracks: Highlighting deep cuts like "Headless Cross," "Anno Mundi," "Zero the Hero," and "The Shining."

• The Verdict: Sorting out the forgotten masterpieces from the chaotic missteps in Tony Iommi's solo-turned-Sabbath output.

Join us for Part 3 of our Black Sabbath extravaganz, as we shine a light on the lost eras!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Black Sabbath Official Website: https://www.blacksabbath.com/

• Black Sabbath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksabbath/

• Black Sabbath Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBlackSabbath

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 101: Black Sabbath (The Ronnie James Dio Era) – Rebirth & Heavy Metal Magic

In Episode 101 (Part 2 of our 4-part Black Sabbath extravaganza) we dive deep into one of the greatest second acts in Heavy Metal history: the legendary Ronnie James Dio era.

Following Ozzy Osbourne's departure, Black Sabbath joined forces with former Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio, revitalizing Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice to deliver a soaring, power-packed new sound that defined 1980’s Heavy Metal.

In this episode, we break down:

• The Rebirth: How 1980's Heaven and Hell saved Black Sabbath and revolutionized the subgenre for a new decade.

• The Dark Follow-Up: Dissecting 1981's Mob Rules and the addition of powerhouse drummer Vinny Appice.

• The Underground Masterpiece: Re-evaluating 1992's heavy, underrated Dehumanizer album.

• Essential Anthems: Analyzing classic tracks like "Heaven and Hell," "Neon Knights," "The Signal," "The Mob Rules," and "I."

• The Dio Legacy: Exploring the fantasy themes, powerful vocal range, and lasting impact Ronnie James Dio left on Sabbath's history.

Whether you're team Ozzy or team Dio, join us for Part 2 of our Black Sabbath extravaganza!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Black Sabbath Official Website: https://www.blacksabbath.com/

• Black Sabbath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksabbath/

• Black Sabbath Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBlackSabbath

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 100: Black Sabbath (The Ozzy Osbourne Era) – The Birth of Heavy Metal

In this milestone 100th episode of The Metal List, we celebrate by diving into the undisputed godfathers of Heavy Metal: Black Sabbath, specifically during the legendary Ozzy Osbourne era.

We trace how four guys from Birmingham, England—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—created an entirely new genre of music out of dark Blues, tritone guitar riffs, and heavy bass lines.

In this episode, we break down:

• The Birth of Heavy Metal: How the 1970's self-titled debut, Black Sabbath, changed music history forever.

• The Golden Era Masterpieces: Dissecting the legendary run of Paranoid, Master of Reality, Vol. 4, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.

• The Evolution & Chaos: Exploring Sabotage, Technical Ecstasy, Never Say Die!, and the tumultuous end of Ozzy's first run with the band.

• Iconic Anthems: Analyzing classic jams like "Black Sabbath," "War Pigs," "Iron Man," "Paranoid," "N.I.B.," and "Into the Void."

• Milestone Reflection: Celebrating Episode 100 of The Metal List and reflecting on Sabbath's enduring legacy as the ultimate Heavy Metal pioneers.

Whether you are a die-hard Sabbath fan or exploring classic 1970’s Doom Metal and Hard Rock history, join us for Part 1 of this special 100th episode celebration!

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.to/TheMetalList

• Black Sabbath Official Website: https://www.blacksabbath.com/

• Black Sabbath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksabbath/

• Black Sabbath Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBlackSabbath

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.to/Godhammered

Episode 99: Slayer – FUCKING SLAYERRRRRRR!

In Episode 99 of The Metal List, we dedicate an entire episode to the ultimate titans of Thrash Metal: Slayer.

As Jason’s longest-running favorite band, we dive deep into the blood-soaked history, legendary riffs, and unmatched fury of one of the Big Four’s most uncompromising forces.

We dissect their landmark albums, including the 29-minute masterpiece Reign in Blood and its massive, seismic impact on all heavy music—especially the birth and evolution of Death Metal. We trace their bold pivot to slow things down on South of Heaven, and Jason unleashes an epic rant addressing the critics of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s chaos-infused solos... while revealing why he actually hates Seasons in the Abyss!

In this episode, we break down:

• Reign in Blood: The undisputed pinnacle of speed and brutality, and how it laid the groundwork for Death Metal.

• The Writing Trifecta: Analyzing the distinct lyricism of Kerry King (occult/satanic), Jeff Hanneman (war/history), and Tom Araya (society/politics).

• South of Heaven & Beyond: The genius move to slow down the tempo and heavy up the atmosphere after peak speed.

• The Solo Debate & Seasons Rant: Jason defends Slayer’s frantic lead work and drops a hot take on why Seasons in the Abyss doesn't cut it for him.

• War Stories & Pop Culture: Sharing our first exposures to the band, DLo’s Ozzfest memories, and the iconic "Hippie Drill" moment from South Park.

Grab your pentagram, turn it to 11, and join us and let us know your favorite songs from SLAYER!

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Musical Guest:

Grave Way – "Suffering"

• Grave Way Linktree: https://linktr.ee/graveway

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Links & Resources:

• The Metal List Linktree: https://linktr.ee/themetallistpodcast

• Slayer Official Website: https://www.slayer.net/

• Slayer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayerbandofficial/

• Slayer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slayer

Theme Song: Godhammered

• Godhammered Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Godhammered